Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson on March 31 announced the completion of major updates to several existing agricultural best management practices (BMP) manuals, including the one for citrus. The manuals provide specific research-based practices to agricultural producers to improve water quality.
The updates mark the first comprehensive revisions in nearly 20 years for some manuals, reflecting advancements in agricultural science, water quality research and on-the-ground practices.
“These best management practices manuals, updated in partnership with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the University of Florida and industry partners, provide real solutions that benefit both Florida’s natural resources and our agricultural economy,” Simpson said.
“Like my family’s citrus operation, Florida’s citrus industry was an early adopter of BMPs to improve water quality and conserve water,” said Kyle Story, vice president of The Story Companies and president of Florida Citrus Mutual. He said updating the citrus BMP manual with science-based practices like low-volume irrigation and precision nutrient application helps farmers grow sustainably while protecting the environment.
Under Florida law, BMPs are defined as the most effective and practical means to improve water quality in agricultural and urban discharges. The practices are developed by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) Office of Agricultural Water Policy in coordination with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences and industry experts.
BMPs help agricultural producers improve water quality while maintaining productivity and economic viability. Categories of BMPs include:
- Nutrient management – Assessing nutrient needs and sources to optimize fertilizer use and reduce runoff impacts on water resources.
- Irrigation management – Enhancing irrigation methods and scheduling to conserve water and minimize nutrient losses to the environment.
- Water resource protection – Implementing buffers, setbacks and swales to reduce sediment and nutrient transport from agricultural lands to Florida’s waterways.
See the updated BMP manual for Florida citrus operations here.
Source: FDACS
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